Optimization and characterization of polyhydroxybutyrate/lignin electro-spun scaffolds for tissue engineering...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Engineering
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Tissue engineering scaffolds require optimized material combinations and preparation methods.
• Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a promising biomaterial but suffers from brittleness and hydrophobicity.
• Lignin can potentially enhance PHB properties for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize electrospinning process conditions for polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and lignin.
• To investigate the effect of lignin addition on PHB nanofiber characteristics and properties.
• To evaluate the potential of PHB/lignin scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Main Methods:

• Taguchi design was employed to optimize electrospinning parameters for PHB.
• Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) solutions with varying lignin content were prepared and electro-spun.
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Water Contact Angle (WCA), and mechanical testing were used for characterization.

Main Results:

• Optimal PHB concentration was determined to be 9% w/v in Trifluoro acetic acid.
• Addition of 6% wt lignin to PHB reduced crystallinity, crystal size, and hydrophobicity.
• Lignin addition decreased nanofiber diameter, altered morphology to cylindrical, and significantly improved mechanical properties (e.g., elongation, toughness, tensile strength).

Conclusions:

• The optimized PHB/lignin electrospun scaffold demonstrates enhanced mechanical strength and reduced brittleness.
• The scaffold exhibits favorable bioactivity, cell viability, proliferation, mineralization, and antioxidant activity.
• PHB/lignin electrospun scaffolds show significant potential for application in tissue engineering.